It’s All Over Your Body

Despite the mainstream public’s enduring and bewildering resistance to knowing his name, jazz darling Jose James consistently demonstrates why they are the ones missing out. A cognac smooth approach to lyric and a hip-hop-meets-bebop swing to his scat haven’t done it. Witty, seductive, innovative, yet still accessible modern jazz compositions have not done it. Iconographic […]

Good Feeling

For forty years Paul Carrack has been a kind of mystery man to U.S. audiences, the unknown voice behind so many of their favorite songs. As the lead singer on top hits by Ace, Squeeze and Mike + the Mechanics, Carrack provided the memorable voice to #1 hits ranging from “Tempted” to “The Living Years,” […]

R&B Divas

Shortly after the word ‘diva’ left the confines of opera terminology, the term came to describe  female performers of any genre with an incredible voice, undeniable charisma and the ‘it’ factor. For most Baby Boomers, those singers-turned-superstars included Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan; women who raised the […]

Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey)

Music legend Mighty Sam McClain titled his latest project Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey) with tongue planted firmly in cheek. By my call, at least five of the album’s 14 tracks are thematically religious or inspirational. McClain also enlists divine help to bring a lover back on the jazzy torch ballad “Tears,” and McClain […]

Acoustic Soul Sessions

Syleena Johnson – Acoustic Soul Sessions (LIVE) She’s been underrated by the masses since her 1999 independent solo debut, Love Hangover. The daughter of legendary blues and soul man, Syl Johnson, and the first black woman police commissioner in the United States, Brenda Thompson, Syleena Johnson has been embraced by critics and a devoted following […]

Esprit De Four

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Espirit De Four, the 12th release by the jazz quartet Fourplay, is a quiet and confident recording. The confidence can be viewed in light of the fact that pianist Bob James, drummer Harvey Mason, bassist/vocalist Nathan East and guitarist Chuck Loeb never seem to feel the need to raise the volume of their music to […]

Rich Girl (2012)

From Sequence to Vertical Hold to a five million-selling solo career, for over 30 years Angie Stone has been nothing if not a reliable talent. Entering the more seasoned years of her career, Stone still strikes a spirited figure in R&B and traditional soul. More favorite aunt than voluptuous seductress at this point in her […]

Bad – Deluxe 25th Anniversary

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 1987 had to be a daunting year for Michael Jackson: the good news was that one-man-musical machine was the hottest entertainer on the planet, reaping the rewards of an artistic gamble he had made eight years earlier when he hand-picked the iconic Quincy Jones to collaborate with him on his first post-Motown solo projects, Off […]

Moods and Messages (2012)

Brian Owens has been called the next great voice of American soul and, although he’s quick to point out he’s simply upholding the traditions of other great soul singers from years gone by, Owens clearly relishes the honors bestowed on him, assuming his mantle with utmost seriousness. Born in St. Louis, Owens was raised in […]

Soul Classics

Is there a more famous phrase in music than “Maceo! Blow Your Horn”?  “I wanna hold your hand” is right up there. I’d accept “All the single ladies,” if you’re looking for something more contemporary. Still, “Maceo! Blow Your Horn” rightfully earns its iconic status due to the icon who uttered the phrase, as well […]

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